The International Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is committed to creating an engaging environment that empowers its members to intentionally institute practices and behaviors that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB). To achieve IADR’s mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide we are cognizant of the fact that our approach should employ our values of scientific excellence, social responsibility, and scientific community with DEIAB lenses, as research is most impactful when people of varied backgrounds and perspectives participate. Therefore, we are steadfast in cultivating and supporting a robustly diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, where all members create and feel a sense of belonging.
IADR continuously strives to make our Association accessible, inclusive, and equitable, particularly for those who have been impacted by systemic disadvantages, marginalization, and exclusion. We share the responsibility and accountability for advancing DEIAB in all its forms, beginning with the empowerment of our members from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. We thrive on the free and open exchange of ideas and work hard to foster a community of mutual respect—one rooted in collaborative dialogue and challenging intellectual discourse and guided by our definitions of DEIAB. We engage in a sustained effort to create a culture which asserts that prejudice and discrimination serve only as hinderances to our advancement.
IADR defines diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging as follows:
- Diversity is the recognition, respect, and value of the range of individual characteristics and experiences that influence personal perspectives and the proportionate representation across all dimensions of human difference.
- Equity is the consistent and systematic, fair, and just treatment of all individuals and the dedication to eliminate barriers to fair treatment for underrepresented groups through systemic changes.
- Inclusion is the recognition, appreciation, and use of the talents and skills of all backgrounds by creating a welcoming environment through the proactive identification and removal of the barriers that impede the success of all.
- Accessibility is the design and development of information, programs, environment, and services so that all people can fully and independently use them. It ensures a level playing field for people by addressing physical and nonphysical barriers.
- Belonging is the creation of an environment where everyone is treated and feels like a full member of the community and can thrive.
IADR expects all of its Divisions and Sections as well as Scientific Groups and Networks to strive towards these IADR DEIAB principles in everyday practice in furtherance of the IADR Mission.